Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Overview:

Hepatitis B surface antigen is part of the outer coat of the hepatitis B virus, and it appears in the blood during active infection, both in recent infections and in long-standing ones. Detecting it means the virus is currently present, as distinct from the surface antibody test, which indicates immunity. The virus is passed through blood and body fluids, including during sex and from parent to child at birth. Many people with long-standing infection have no symptoms while liver damage develops slowly. Positive results are automatically put through a confirmatory step before being reported.

Categories:

Liver, Sexual Health & STI Testing, Immune

Biomarkers:

2 biomarkers